Decrease in Halloween crime in Newry

Police in Newry say they have seen a decrease in criminal damage and antisocial behaviour incidents over the Halloween period.

Criminal damage dropped by 12 per cent (down three incidents from 25 to 22) during Halloween week, compared to the same period last year and antisocial behaviour decreased by 8.9 per cent (a decrease of eight incidents from 90 to 82).

Misuse of fireworks increased slightly, from 33 incidents last year to 40 in 2013.

Speaking to Newry Times, Newry and Mourne Area Commander, Chief Inspector Davy Beck said he was delighted to see the decrease in criminal damage and antisocial behaviour.

“I would like to thank our partner agencies and the local community for their support over the Halloween period, I know how hard many community groups have worked to make Halloween a positive family event and I acknowledge that work and vision.

“We worked closely with our partner agencies and community groups to raise awareness of the consequences of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour, to provide diversionary activites for young people and to enforce the law.

“While we did see an increase in the misuse of fireworks, I believe this is attributable to the proactive actions of my officers in seizing illegal fireworks and an increase in information from the local community.

Beck added, “We will continue to build on this partnership approach and work on driving down incidents of antisocial behaviour.”